The Senate supported Northam’s proposal, but the House Speaker ruled it out of order. The bill, which only banned handheld cellphones in work zones, now goes back to the governor, who can agree to the original bill or veto it.

Wednesday’s session was dominated by the accusations against Fairfax. Two women have accused him of sexual assault and called for a hearing where they can testify under oath. Fairfax again denied the charges and called for prosecutors to investigate. He said he would cooperate with investigators and testify under oath.